Photo by Mare Czinar Mazatzal Wilderness

Rugged, contorted escarpments of shimmering metamorphic rocks studded with high chaparral woodlands are the hallmark attractions of the Mazatzal Wilderness. The mountains of Mazatzal, which is pronounced “mah-zaht-zahl” and means “land of the deer,” tower nearly 8,000 feet high for spectacular vista views. The Y Bar trail is a continual uphill climb along the base of Suicide Ridge through dense stands of juniper and agave. Near the 2-mile-point, the trail transitions into a heart pumping crawl on the cliffs above Shake Tree Canyon. There, the path enters a burned area where charred pine trees and scorched snags make the remainder of the route tricky to follow. Watch for rock cairns to use as your guide. At roughly the 4.2-mile point, the trail tops out at 6,400 feet on the Cactus Saddle, a large open area with views that stretch all the way to the White Mountains in the east. From there, the trail dips downhill to a seep area known as the Y Bar Tanks, the turn-around point for this hike.

Length: 9.6 miles roundtrip
Rating: difficult
Elevation gain: 2,400 feet
Getting there: From Phoenix, go north on Highway 87 for about 65 miles to Forest Road 419 and the signed turnoff for the Barnhardt Trailhead, which is located a quarter-mile south of the town of Gisela. Follow FR 419 for 5 miles to the parking area.
Information: fs.fed.us/r3/tonto or 928-474-7900